Honeoye: At age 83, Janice died suddenly on Thursday, June 6, 2024, at her home in Honeoye. She was born in Oneida, NY to the late Henry and Alberta Gilbert. Survived by her beloved husband of 60 years, Stephen B. Ashley; her children, Jonathan (Paula) Ashley, Leeson Ashley, Jillian (Randall) Ashley-Martin; her siblings, John (Connie) Gilbert and Judy Gilbert, her grandchildren, Quintin Ashley, Hayden Ashley, Wyatt Ashley, Maya Ashley-Martin, and Sophia Ashley-Martin; along with several nieces, nephews, and friends. As our matriarch, she will be missed by all.
Janice had endless energy for her community. Her involvements included trustee emeritus with the Genesee Country Museum, founding trustee and president of the Honeoye Historical Society, former trustee of the Crestwood Children’s Home, and board member of the State University of Oneonta Alumni Association and provided funds to the migrant student program at State University of Oneonta. Together with her husband, they provided support to the George Eastman Museum and the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra.
Janice was a strong advocate for local and regional history, human services with a particular focus on children and young women, and the affordability needs of college students. Her rural life manifested itself in her love of gardening, wildflowers, and birds. She hiked frequently in the beautiful lakes in our home area and in the Green Mountains surrounding her home in Stowe, Vermont.
A Memorial Service will take place at 1:30 PM on Saturday, June 15, 2024, at the St. Paul Episcopal Church, 25 Westminster Road in Rochester, NY. Interment will take place privately at Richmond Center Cemetery in Honeoye, NY. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: House of Mercy, 285 Ormond St, Rochester, NY 14605. To share a memory or a condolence, please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com
Steve and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Jan’s sudden passing. Your loss is unimaginable. I will always cherish the memories at Sibley Mortgage and the picnics at your home. I love looking forward to your annual Christmas card and watching your family grow.
My prayers are with you and may Jan rest in peace.
Please accept my condolences on the loss of your dear Mrs. Ashley. I remember her as a kind and caring person when she would call the office. May you find comfort in your faith, memories, family and friends.
I am so sorry to hear of Jan’s sudden death.
Jan gave years of caring and creative service to Melita House, a residence for pregnant young women in Rochester. She was in charge of the After-Care program, working with the new moms and their babies to teach them the skills needed to be successful. She was tireless, engaging and a good friend to the young moms. Her program was a vital part of this ministry.
She was a light for the residents and staff.
May she rest in God’s loving presence forever.
Jean Marie Kearsed
We send our deepest condolences to Steve and the rest of Janice’s family. She has a lasting legacy in both the impact on her family and influence in our community. For that we are thankful and hope you find peace in these memories.
I knew Jan from her wonderful work as a member of the University Foundation Board of Directors. Her commitment to the Board and its mission were exemplary. She was a great person who will be deeply missed by all who knew her. My sincere condolences to her family and friends.
So sorry to hear of Jan’s passing.
I always enjoyed our conversations
Such a special person to know.
My thoughts & prayers are with you.
Kate Hanson MK Director
Jon and Family,
Please accept our sincere condolences. Mrs. Ashley’s obituary describes an extraordinary life of service and impact on our community. We will keep you in our prayers.
Sincerely,
Jon & Katie Ghent
Steve, so very sorry to hear of Jan’s passing, thinking of you and family with deepest sympathy.
Dee Fuller
Stephen and Family,
I am so very sorry for the loss of Jan, I worked with Jan for nearly 12 years regarding her home in Stowe, VT and have grown very fond of her throughout the years. Such a kind, thoughtful and beautiful human being. I will miss talking to her. My sincere condolences. xo
Dawn G. Locke
Rural Resources
So sorry to hear this news. I remember both of you as a devoted couple.
Janice was an incredible individual, full of positivity and excitement for all around her. She had an amazing ability to make any milestone – big or small – one to be celebrated. She made every outing an adventure . I will miss our conversations and the laughs that we shared. I will be forever grateful for our time together, especially being together just a few short weeks ago. Sending so much love and strength to the whole family during this extremely difficult time. Janice, I will miss you but will think of you often. Thank you for being a very special friend.
I’m so very sorry to hear this and very sorry for Stephen. Janice was such a lovely and kind person.
I am so very sorry for your loss. I spoke with Janice frequently at her Doctor’s office at Olsan Medical Group. She was lovely to talk with. I will miss her.
Sue H.
My mother, Carol Schoonmaker, talked about Jan all the time. Jan was a great friend to my mother. I didn’t get a chance to talk with Jan at my mother’s funeral services. So, I was planning to stop by and visit Jan. Life goes by too fast.
Jan and I met as freshman at Oneonta State Teachers College, now
SUNY Oneonta. We were roommates for 3 years, and have been dear friends for 66 years. I will miss our times together spent hiking together, talking, and especially laughing together. She was such a warm, caring person and very involved with her community, people she came in contact with over the years. I loved her like a sister and will truly miss her and own times spent together.
Jan was a long time supporter of Bethany House. She would often stop by when she was in the city, dropping off donations or to visit. At Thanksgiving every year she would bring a dozen of her delicious homemade pies for us to enjoy for the holiday. She would always take the time to ask how things were going and did we need anything.
I am so sorry for your loss and will hold you in my prayers. May you be consoled by knowing how much she meant to the women and children of Bethany House.
Steven and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with Jan and Peggy Treble on the Historical Society. She was a great organizer and really helped things run smoothly. She was a good friend.
Sandy Blackmer Gates